Overview
Orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, sun bears—Borneo’s extraordinary wildlife is just as fascinating as its tropical ecosystems. At Sepilok Forest Reserve, we walk among free-roaming orangutans and learn about the rehabilitation of orphaned orangutans and endangered sun bears. From our eco-lodge on the jungle-draped Kinabatangan River, we set out by boat at dawn and dusk in search of orangutans and pygmy elephants along the jungled banks. In the lowland forests of Tabin, we’ll look for flying squirrels, Asian palm civets, Malayan civets, and pig-tailed macaques. The stunning Danum Valley brings us an incredible diversity of unique animals in its towering treetop canopies, and night walks give us a chance to spot elusive nocturnal species, from wide-eyed tarsier to bioluminescent fungi!
Many aspects of this trip were magical, especially the time in the Danum valley and the river based lodge. The wildlife is wonderful and the guides very knowledgeable. It is a fragile corner of the world and well worth seeing
— Cindy M., New York, NY
Days 1-2
Kota Kinabalu / Sepilok Forest Reserve
From Kota Kinabalu, we head to Sepilok Forest Reserve, where we’ll watch the morning feeding of the orangutans at the feeding platform. Found in the wild only on Borneo and the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the orangutan is fighting a battle for survival as its habitat shrinks. We walk among the orangutan in the reserve, cross a treetop canopy in time to watch sunset, and have a private visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, a sanctuary for the world’s smallest bears.
Kota Kinabalu / Sepilok Forest Reserve - Days 1-2
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
Day 1 (1 night),Day 10 (1 night), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Set on the waterfront with panoramic views of the South China Sea, the Marriott is a short distance from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, making it a great spot to shake off your jet lag or relax before the flight home. Five dining venues offer a variety of cuisine, from Japanese to surf-and-turf, and the rooftop bar features a special Sapi Island Martini plus views of the namesake island. Guest rooms offer all of the modern amenities you’ll need, and those who wish can visit the spa or swim in the outdoor infinity pool.
Sepilok Nature Resort
Day 2 (1 night), Sabah, MalaysiaThe lovely lakeside Sepilok Nature Resort enjoys a prime location, surrounded by tropical rainforest and within walking distance to the Sepilok Orangutan Center. Guest chalets feature spacious rooms with comfortable beds, en suite facilities, private viewing decks, and each room has air-conditioning. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest from the comfort of your room, or in the open dining area overlooking the lake, and be sure to take a stroll throughout the property, which has a vast array of colorful plants including more than 150 different species of orchids.
Days 3-6
Kinabatangan Wetlands / Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Winding down the Kinabatangan River by boat at dawn and dusk, we look for baby-faced pygmy elephants and tree-dwelling creatures along the banks. Ten primate species inhabit the Kinabatangan area, most of them endemic to Borneo. In Tabin Wildlife Reserve, we meet with local scientists and a member of the Borneo Rhino Alliance to learn about conservation efforts for the endangered Sumatran rhino.
Kinabatangan Wetlands / Tabin Wildlife Reserve - Days 3-6
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Sandakan, MalaysiaTucked away on a tributary of the river, the pristine Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is a fantastic stay for intrepid travelers looking for a little more comfort. We love this resort for its one-of-a-kind access (you can only get there by boat). Raised walkways throughout the resort are a great vantage point to view the surrounding jungle, and there are many opportunities to spot wildlife in the nearby river and trees.
Tabin Wildlife Resort
Days 5 to 6 (2 nights), Tabin Wildlife Reserve, MalaysiaTabin Wildlife Resort is set right inside the Tabin Reserve itself, with 20 air-conditioned en-suite guestrooms with small verandas that are great for wildlife viewing, allowing guests to see the sights and sounds along the Lipad River. The café is a comfortable place to enjoy a meal while watching nectar-sipping birds, and you can look for otters and birdlife from a hide built near a natural pool in the Lipad River. (Note: Meals here are very simple, but the resort is the only option for places to stay in the area and it will be well worth the wildlife experience!)
Days 7-11
Danum Valley Conservation Area
The remote Danum Valley is one of the world’s most pristine rainforests, internationally recognized for its off-the-charts biodiversity. Rare mammal species here include the Sumatran rhino, clouded leopard, mousedeer, gibbon, and maroon-leaf langur. We set out on early morning canopy walks, watching the sun paint its colors over the jungle, hike to an ancient burial site, and enjoy night drives in search of flying squirrels and mammals on the hunt. Depart on Day 11 via Kota Kinabulu.
Danum Valley Conservation Area - Days 7-11
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Days 7 to 9 (3 nights), Lahad Datu, MalaysiaWhether you’re an avid birder, monkey and marsupial lover, or simply enjoy the peace of no TVs and cell service, the Borneo Rainforest Lodge manages to combine the best of outdoor adventure with indoor comforts. Guest rooms have high ceilings and comfortable beds, while the lounge areas give way to spectacular views so you can watch the rainforest come to life while you enjoy a meal or drink. The canopy walks are a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the property and of the nearby Danum Valley Conservation Area, with more than 100,000 acres of protected rainforest.
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
Day 10 (1 night), Kota Kinabalu, MalaysiaSet on the waterfront with panoramic views of the South China Sea, the Marriott is a short distance from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, making it a great spot to shake off your jet lag or relax before the flight home. Five dining venues offer a variety of cuisine, from Japanese to surf-and-turf, and the rooftop bar features a special Sapi Island Martini plus views of the namesake island. Guest rooms offer all of the modern amenities you’ll need, and those who wish can visit the spa or swim in the outdoor infinity pool.
Wildlife Adventures in Borneo
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Easy nature walks and light hikes in a hot and humid climate, river excursions by speedboat and longboat
